Owning property – whether it’s residential or commercial – means that there are regular maintenance and repair issues to address. It’s easy to put them off. Time is always hard to find. But keeping up with some of the smaller issues can prevent you from experiencing a much larger, time-consuming and costly problem.
As we ease our way into the fall, we’ve put together a short list of check points. Take some time next weekend and follow these guidelines.
- Inspections. Inspect areas and systems that may have deteriorated over time.
- Is there condensation in the HVAC system? If so, call for service immediately.
- Condensation or oxidation on metal screws, nails or fixtures in the attic or on the roof. If you find any condensation, ventilation might be the problem.
- Shutoff valves. Check for leaking. Replace as needed.
- Water lines behind the refrigerator. Even a pinhole leak can severely damage floors.
- Check for cracks around the water heater – especially around the valves and joints.
- Sump-pump. Check to make sure it is running smoothly. If needed, wire it to its own dedicated electrical circuit.
- Plumbing Checks. Time and again we see the consequences of small leaks that are allowed to become real problems. This is especially true if you are away from your home or office for an extended period of time. Damage can be severe, even over a long weekend. Try to recall if any of the following has happened, and if you notice any signs, call a plumber.
- A sudden drop in water pressure.
- Discoloring or wet spots on the floor or ceiling.
- An odor that can’t be explained away.
- A higher than usual water bill.
- Signs of blistering paint or wallpaper.
- Safety Checks. It may be time to replace batteries in your smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors. It’s a good idea to clear the cobwebs or dust from the sensors too. Stocking up on batteries for the home or office is a good idea. And one more safety check – check you circuit breaker, by turning it off and on, to make sure it’s working properly.
It’s heartbreaking to see a disaster that could have easily been prevented. Take a few steps now to protect your property.